Walsall transfer options: Four loan players to look at

The Saddlers saw loanees Zeli Ismail and Dan Agyei return to parent clubs Bury and Burnley last week leaving the squad lacking depth up front.

Here the Express & Star looks at four promising youngsters who Walsall may be able to snap up on a temporary basis this January.

Lukas Nmecha

The Manchester City youngster shot to prominence this summer when he netted the winning goal for England in the final of the Under-19 European Championships.

Comfortable out wide or as an out-and-out centre-forward, Nmecha has put in a string of impressive displays for Man City’s under-23s.

That form was recently rewarded by Pep Guardiola, who named the 19-year-old on the bench for the recent Carabao Cup tie with Wolves.

He has also trained with the first team intermittently over the last two years.

Comfortable holding up the ball or running in behind defences, it has been reported the teenager is about to sign a new contract at City before going out on loan.

Walsall also have good ties with City following the successful loan of George Evans two years ago.

Sherwin Seedorf

Young Dutch winger Sherwin Seedorf – who is related to legendary ex-Real Madrid midfielder Clarence – has impressed in Wolves’ under-23 set-up since joining a year ago.

Seedorf, who had previously been involved with the Nike Academy, has plenty of pace and raw talent but isn’t likely to force his way into Nuno Espirito Santo’s first team anytime soon.

Under-23 boss Scott Sellars recently spoke of Seedorf’s quality.

He said: “We saw Sherwin’s quality last year, every full-back was saying how quick he was. When he played he’d generally score or have an influence. He’s got great pace and is good running with the ball. We see him as a rough diamond – there’s potential. He plays on both wings or as a 10 and can be a nightmare to play against.”

Kazaiah Sterling

Like Nmecha, Tottenham youngster Sterling is equally comfortable out wide or as a striker.

The 19-year-old was recently on the bench for Spurs’ Champions League clash with Apoel Nicosia.

The forward has also been a regular scorer for Tottenham’s under-18s, 19s and 23s. Alongside his goals, Sterling has received praise for his work-rate – something that is sure to catch the eye of Walsall boss Jon Whitney.

Describing his own pros and cons, Sterling said: “My strengths are running in behind to finish, being aggressive and competing. My weakness is probably my play in tight areas, which I can definitely improve.”

The youngster also revealed he is motivated by another Spurs ace.

“Harry Kane is the perfect inspiration,” he said. “That’s the standard I’m trying to hit.”

Tyrese Campbell

Nice to get 45 minutes under my belt yesterday, always good to top it off with my first goal of pre season! 👍🏾⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zBq3tSmOZO

— Tyrese Campbell (@TyeKaiCampbell) July 16, 2017

The 18-year-old striker, son of former Arsenal, Albion and Everton player Kevin Campbell, made a surprise move from Manchester City to Stoke last summer.

With the two clubs unable to agree a fee, a tribunal went on to rule City could receive as much as £1.75million for the teenager.

Campbell had been expected to head to the Potteries and compete for a place in the first team.

But while he has played three games in the Checkatrade Trophy, he has not yet featured in the Premier League.

Despite that, he has found the target regularly for Stoke’s under-23s. And he is certainly seen a player who knows where the net is having once scored 49 goals in a single season for Man City’s youth team.

A loan to play first-team football might be the next step.